Way back in February, I wrote about a family member that I had a disturbing conversation with. I wanted to share with you what's happened since to show others and also remind myself that there is always hope even in the midst of dire circumstances. click here to reference old post Memories of that phone call still hurts sometimes. Part of it was that I really thought that this person might be the one person that might actually believe my story and help me. Instead, I was called a liar for talking about the terrible things that were done to me, and disturbingly this is why so many women and victims don't ever say anything. The sting of that accusation on top of the devastation I was already going through was almost unbearable. I felt rather alone that day and pretty hopeless.
But so much has taken place since that phone call a year and a half ago. Despite the continued trials (both literal and figurative), of this journey I've been on, I believe that I have been shown day after day that God loves me. He has proven to me, reassuringly that He is with me, and that He has and will never forsake me. All I needed to do was trust. Sounds easy enough right? Well, it wasn't. Most especially when I was supposed to because I was frightened, felt trapped or had no idea how things could possibly work out for good. But my experience has shown me that the more I've trusted and gone straight to prayer, the more peace God's given me over the fear, and somehow there has been some good that's come out of the bad.
I know now that even way back when, God had a plan and was working. That person that I had to hang up the phone sobbing with, is now a huge advocate. He reached out to me recently, apologizing wholeheartedly for not believing me before, and has since encouraged me, supported me and stood up for me to the very people that have and are continuing to hurt me the most; his own brother and parents. And that is no small thing, especially in that family. I trust that only God could have done this; putting my brother-in-law in a position to do what no other person could at this very moment in time for me. It's been a prayer answered not only for me, but I think ultimately, for all who's involved. God is slowly revealing the truth and I honestly believe that the truth will indeed set us all free.
At this very moment in time, some things are starting to come to light that reveal potential harm to my daughter's safety and well-being with her father. We are getting the help we need and have some good people doing so. But most of all, I am comforted to know that I have the Lord on my side. Not just for myself, but specifically for my daughter I cling to the Scripture that came to me suddenly last night... "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11-
I hope and pray that whatever suffering, hurt, fear or struggles you are dealing with in life, that you may cling to that promise as well.
Hannah Bee
